Federal prosecutors recently announced charges against two individuals accused of participating in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy operating in and around the greater Boston area. According to court filings, investigators allege that the defendants engaged in repeated controlled sales of fentanyl over several months, coordinated distribution efforts, and operated across multiple locations. One defendant Shaquylle Burden, 31, was arrested locally and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, while the other Kerry Charlotin, a/k/a “KG,” 36, of Rockland, was taken into custody in South Carolina. Charlotin is on federal supervised release for a 2020 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the charging documents, the defendants trafficked fentanyl since June 2025 in Greater Boston. It is alleged that in October and December of 2025, Burden and Charlotin sold or arranged the sale of fentanyl during repeated controlled purchases. A firearm was also allegedly found at Burden’s residence at the time of his arrest.
Fentanyl Conspiracy and Distribution Charges
In federal drug cases, prosecutors often rely on conspiracy charges, which do not require proof of a completed sale for every defendant. Instead, the government must allege an agreement to distribute a controlled substance along with steps taken to further that agreement. Controlled purchases, surveillance, informants, and search warrants are commonly used to build these cases. Allegations involving firearms, prior convictions, or supervised release can further complicate the legal exposure.
Why Fentanyl Charges Carry Harsher Federal Penalties
The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is governed by federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which can increase penalties based on drug weight, alleged roles in the conspiracy, and criminal history. Fentanyl is treated far more severely than many other controlled substances due to its extreme potency and overdose risk. Even relatively small quantities can result in life-changing federal sentencing.
Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Drug Allegations
Federal drug cases often involve multiple defendants, interstate investigations, and coordination between federal agencies across state lines or even internationally. To protect your rights in these cases, it’s imperative to hire a criminal defense law firm with extensive federal experience who knows how to challenge the government’s evidence, question the scope of alleged conspiracies, address jurisdictional and extradition issues, and protect clients from being unfairly held responsible for the actions of others.
Federal drug charges can move quickly and carry life-altering consequences, but allegations are not convictions. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. At Dhar Law, LLP we have defended countless serious drug cases in federal court, where life-changing consequences are at play and there may be multiple defendants with roles in an alleged criminal conspiracy. We tell our client’s story instead of the prosecution’s story and rely on our experience to present a robust case. Contact us today to find out how we can build a case to protect your rights.
Federal drug charges can move quickly and carry life-altering consequences, but allegations are not convictions. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. At Dhar Law, LLP we have defended countless serious drug cases in federal court, where life-changing consequences are at play and there may be multiple defendants with roles in an alleged criminal conspiracy. We tell our client’s story instead of the prosecution’s story and rely on our experience to present a robust case. Contact us today at 617 880-6155 to find out how we can build a case to protect your rights.
